TSA Pre-check benefits now available to service members traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Published
  • Transportation Security Administration
WASHINGTON --  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Dec. 12 that active duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces are now eligible to participate in TSA Pre-check at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). TSA Pre-check is available at the main security checkpoint.

TSA Pre-check is a pre-screening initiative that allows eligible passengers to volunteer information about themselves to expedite their screening experience when traveling at participating airports. These passengers may be referred to the TSA Pre-check lane where they will undergo expedited screening, which could include being able to leave their shoes, light outerwear and belt on, allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on.

"Including active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces in TSA Pre-check demonstrates our commitment to expanding key risk-based security initiatives," said TSA Assistant Administrator of Risk Based Security Doug Hofsass. "These men and women put their lives on the line every day, and it makes sense to screen them accordingly."

Beginning in March 2012, TSA partnered with the Department of Defense (DoD) to further streamline screening for active duty service members. In addition to Atlanta, service members may also participate in TSA Pre-check when flying out of Charlotte Douglas International, Honolulu International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Seattle-Tacoma International and Washington Dulles International airports.

Active duty and reserve members of the military can present their Common Access Cards (CAC) to a TSA Officer in front of the TSA Pre-check lane, where it will be scanned to determine if they qualify for expedited screening. TSA uses a CAC card reader and computer connected to a DoD database to verify the service member's active duty status before they are cleared to receive TSA Pre-check screening benefits. Eligible service members do not need to be in uniform to be considered for TSA Pre-check.

In addition to service members, other eligible passengers include select U.S. citizens flying on participating airlines as well as those who are members of a Custom and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. As of November 15, Canadian citizens traveling domestically in the United States who are members of NEXUS are also qualified to participate in TSA Pre-check. Individuals interested in participating in a CBP Trusted Traveler program can apply here www.globalentry.gov.

TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA's multi-layered approach to security also includes behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, canine teams, and federal air marshals, among other measures both seen and unseen.